Evonik Coating Additives is launching innovative biosurfactants specifically designed for coating and ink formulations. The two new products, TEGO Wet 570 Terra and TEGO Wet 580 Terra, are set to transform the paints, coatings and inks industry by combining high performance with an exceptional sustainability profile.

These biosurfactants are produced by microorganisms in a unique fermentation process. Unlike fossil-based surfactants, they are 100% derived from natural resources. Besides having very low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), their natural origin makes them readily biodegradable and well tolerated by aquatic organisms. TEGO Wet 570 Terra and TEGO Wet 580 Terra are specifically designed for use in waterborne coatings and inks.

Elias Lacerda, Head of Coating Additives at Evonik, said: “With our TEGO Wet 570 Terra and TEGO® Wet 580 Terra, we offer our customers completely new high-performance solutions that also drive the green transformation in the paint and coatings industry.”

Their fast wetting of pigments and fillers leads to reduced grinding time and energy consumption, resulting in energy savings and efficient production processes for customers.

Katina Kiep, Head of Decorative Coatings at Evonik Coating Additives, added: “Our TEGO Wet 570 Terra and TEGO Wet 580 Terra are suitable for waterborne decorative paints, industrial and transportation coatings and inks. Their unique properties and the fact that they meet the stringent standards of the EU Ecolabel make them an ideal choice for our customers to formulate coatings for a sustainable future.”

The majority of these biosurfactants are produced in Slovakia. Evonik is leading the development of biosurfactants on an industrial scale with its IP-protected, fermentation-based process for the production of rhamnolipids. Rhamnolipids are produced from renewable corn feedstock using a biotechnological process. The result is a high-performance, non-toxic, biodegradable biosurfactant.

“These new products not only demonstrate our strong innovation capabilities, but also our commitment to driving positive change in the development of environmentally friendly solutions and setting new standards for additives in the coatings and inks industry,” added Tim-Frederic Sloot, Head of Sustainability at Evonik Coating Additives.